Multi-phase flow measurement

Abstract

Multi-phase flow measurement in a conduit is accomplished by generating a spin in the flowing fluids and/or entrained solids, by which the centrifugal force separates the flowing components by density. The isolated flow in the central part of the conduit is measured. The denser isolated fractions flowing against the conduit wall can be measured. An overall composite parameter can be measured. These measurements can then be mathematically solved for their individual flowing components. The flowing components re-mix downstream of the apparatus.

What is claimed as invention is: 
     
       1. A flow meter for the measurement of a multi-phase flow within a conduit, said conduit having an inside surface, said flow meter comprising: a spin generating element within said conduit, said spin generating element comprising a pair of blades presenting opposing planar surfaces to said flow mixture, said spin generating element conditioned to separate said multi-phase flow into denser components and less dense components, and urge said denser components against said inside surface of said conduit in the form of an annulus, and to urge said less dense components to flow through said annulus;   first measurement means for measurement of said less dense component's annular rate;   second measurement means for measurement of said denser components flowing against said conduit inner surface; and   third measurement means for measurement of the bulk flowing components.   
     
     
       2. The flow meter of claim 1 wherein said first measurement means comprises means for measuring a gas volumetric rate. 
     
     
       3. The flow meter of claim 1 wherein said first measurement means comprises means for measuring a gas mass rate. 
     
     
       4. The flow meter of claim 1 wherein said second measurement means comprises means for measuring fluid thickness. 
     
     
       5. The flow meter of claim 1 wherein said second measurement means comprises means for measuring fluid velocity. 
     
     
       6. The flow meter of claim 1 wherein said second measurement means comprises means for measuring fluid density. 
     
     
       7. The flow meter of claim 1 wherein said second measurement means comprises means for measuring absorption characteristics. 
     
     
       8. The flow meter of claim 1 wherein said second measurement means comprises means for measuring fluid electrical properties. 
     
     
       9. The flow meter of claim 1 wherein said third measurement means comprises means for measuring bulk flow density. 
     
     
       10. The flow meter of claim 1 wherein said third measurement means comprises means for measuring bulk absorption characteristics. 
     
     
       11. The flow meter of claim 1 wherein said third measurement means comprises means for measuring bulk electrical parameters. 
     
     
       12. The flow meter of claim 1 including microprocessor means for computing the individual components of the flowing mixture.